Jo Ann Gordon Starts a New Chapter

Jo Ann Gordon, the first head coach of the Gray Wolves softball program who served two separate stints as Athletic Director, announced she is leaving Lourdes University.

A key figure in Lourdes Athletics since 2011, Gordon served as Head Softball Coach for nine seasons, leading the team from its inaugural 2013 season through 2021. Her 2016 squad set a school record for wins and earned the program’s first-ever trip to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round. All nine of her teams earned NAIA Scholar Team status. She also mentored 19 All-WHAC selections, along with dozens of academic award winners and three CoSIDA/CSC Academic All-Americans.

While Head Softball Coach, Gordon also served as the Athletic Director from 2016 to 2018. She left coaching in 2021 to become the University’s Compliance Officer.

With nearly three decades of coaching experience at the collegiate level—including NCAA Division I and III stops—Gordon’s impact on and off the field has been defined by her leadership, dedication to student success, and passion for athletics. Her influence as both a coach and administrator has shaped the trajectory of Lourdes Athletics across multiple eras.

“We are grateful for Jo Ann’s dedicated service to Lourdes Athletics over the past 14 years,” said Bisset. “Her leadership and commitment to student-athletes and the mission of Lourdes University have made a lasting impact. We wish her nothing but success in her next chapter.”

“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside an incredible group of colleagues, coaches, and student-athletes,” Gordon said. “Lourdes University will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’m proud of all we have accomplished together. I wish nothing but continued success for Gray Wolf Athletics.”